The top defensive tackle target on Clemson’s board in the 2018 class was paid a pair of visits by members of Clemson’s coaching staff last week, the Tigers’ first week on the road during the spring evaluation period.

Defensive line coach Todd Bates and defensive coordinator Brent Venables made separate stops at Newton High in Covington, Ga., to check in on four-star Darnell Jefferies.

“It was great knowing they came to my school and were able to see where I grind every day,” Jefferies told The Clemson Insider.

What did he hear from Venables and Bates?

“My coach said they were glad to be there and spoke really highly of me,” Jefferies said. “I was glad to hear that.”

Clemson offered Jefferies during his first visit to the school on March 4. He has returned to Clemson on three occasions since then, including April 8 for the spring game.

Jefferies most recently visited Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and Georgia last month. He said he plans to get back to Georgia soon.

Along with Clemson, he has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Mississippi State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and others for a total of about two dozen.

He keeps his recruitment close to the vest when it comes to naming leaders, but plans to announce his top 10 schools by this summer and commit before his senior season.

“Everyone is putting up their best effort right now,” Jefferies said. “I’m so humbled and blessed to have so many good programs with genuine interest in me and the talent God has blessed me with. I’m just grateful.”